The trade skill of welding took on a whole new angle Wednesday at the Northeastern Wisconsin Technical College parking lot in Sturgeon Bay.   Under bright sunny skies, the first-ever Welding Rodeo was held on the NWTC Campus and included six teams working up to eight hours to build a nautical-themed sculpture from donated scrap metal materials.  Local industry employers like Therma Tron X, Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding, and Kewaunee Fabrication sponsored teams and provided a STEM career fair to connect with those looking for career opportunities.  NWTC Instructor John Geitner shares how the Welding Rodeo played out on Wednesday afternoon.

NWTC Dean of Trades and Engineering Technologies Amy Kox shares how the nine-month welding program prepares students for attractive welding careers with local manufacturing companies.

The Welding Rodeo concluded Wednesday afternoon. with judging, an award ceremony, and a live auction for the finished artwork at 6 p.m.  The program was made possible by a $600,000 grant from the Department of Navy with all proceeds from the auction going toward NWTC welding student scholarships.